IFI Managed Open Call 2026 Round One

This application is for funding from the International Fund for Ireland (IFI).

Before completing the full application form, applicants must complete the eligibility section. All required questions and supporting documents must be completed before the application can be submitted.

Projects must be delivered within a maximum 12-month project period.

Before starting your application, please ensure your organisation:

• operates on a not-for-profit basis
• is appropriately registered and compliant with relevant legal requirements
• has a governing document and appropriate governance or management structure
• can provide recent audited or independently reviewed accounts and/or financial statements
• has safeguarding, insurance, and financial management procedures in place
• is delivering the project within Northern Ireland or the eligible border counties of Ireland (Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan, Monaghan and Louth)
• is proposing a project aligned with the IFI’s strategic objectives
• can deliver the project within the required project timeframe

You may find it helpful to have the following information and supporting documents ready before starting your application:

• organisation details and contact information
• board, trustee, or committee member information
• organisation strategy document
• governing document
• recent audited or independently reviewed accounts and/or financial statements
• financial procedures, governance manual, or relevant organisational policies
• details of any previous IFI funding
• details of other funding received, awarded, pending, or applied for
• project budget information and supporting cost details
• job descriptions and personnel specifications where salary funding is requested

You will be asked to provide information about:

• the project and the need it addresses
• participants, communities, and areas involved
• project activities, milestones, and risks
• alignment with IFI strategic objectives and priority themes
• expected outputs, outcomes, and long-term impact
• monitoring, evaluation, and learning arrangements

Applications should demonstrate:

• strong alignment with IFI strategic objectives
• clear potential for measurable impact
• value for money and effective use of resources
• capacity to deliver and sustain outcomes

You will be required to provide:

• a detailed breakdown of project costs
• the amount of funding requested from IFI
• details of additional funding supporting the project
• staffing information where salary costs are included within the budget

Budget totals within the application form are automatically calculated using the figures entered throughout the budget sections.

Applicants will be required to upload supporting documentation, including:

• organisation strategy document
• governing document
• recent audited or independently reviewed accounts and/or financial statements
• financial procedures, governance manual, or relevant organisational policies
• job descriptions and personnel specifications where salary funding is requested

Supported file formats include PDF, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and common image file formats.

• Before submitting your application, please ensure that:

  • all required questions have been completed
  • all required supporting documents have been uploaded
  • budget figures are accurate and consistent throughout the application
  • responses have been reviewed for completeness and accuracy

  Incomplete applications may not be considered for assessment.

If you require technical assistance when completing this application form, please refer to the SmartyGrants Help Guide for Applicants  or email Service at SmartyGrants UK at service@smartygrants.co.uk

Technical support relates to issues such as:

• logging in
• saving your application
• uploading documents
• accessing the application form
• browser or system issues

If you have questions relating to the International Fund for Ireland (IFI), the funding programme, eligibility, or the application requirements, please contact the IFI team at: IFIapplications@finance-ni.gov.uk